A mélange of neo-Gothic and baroque, Xalapa’s cathedral lacks a second tower but still impresses with its scale and grandiosity. The architecture makes full use of the steep hillside location to inspire awe as you enter, forcing you to raise your head to see the altar and giant crucifix centerpiece.

　　The church contains the remains of St Rafael Guízar y Valencia, beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995.